BIRMINGHAM – artBLAST, the quintessential summer arts celebration at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center on July 3, will feature entertaining art adventures, nostalgic Michigan food, live music by folksinger Joel Mabus and the City of Birmingham's annual fireworks.
The artBLAST '07 signature sponsor is the TriMas Corporation. "TriMas is very proud to be the signature sponsor of artBLAST '07," said Grant Beard, president and CEO of TriMas Corporation, in a statement. "The artBLAST program is designed to provide families with a great opportunity to share time together in a creative environment. Attendees will become active participants, not just observers at this special event. TriMas is committed to helping our communities by continually supporting innovative and educational programs such as artBLAST."
New to artBLAST this year is afterBLAST, an opportunity to wind down after the fireworks (and avoid lengthy traffic back ups) at the art center with munchies and nostalgic videos for the entire family. All artBLAST tickets include admission to afterBLAST, although afterBLAST tickets may be purchased separately for $5 at the door.
The annual City of Birmingham fireworks take place at approximately 10 p.m., adjacent to the BBAC at the Lincoln Hills Golf Course.
artBLAST, formerly known as Summer Solstice, has raised $300,000 for the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center since its inception in 2003. Proceeds go directly towards educational and community programming.
BBAC instructors and local artists facilitate artBLAST events, which are all included in the admission price. Among other things, event-goers can create digital "dog tags," tribal beads, mini-canvas paintings and felting projects. Everyone is invited to get a crystal ink tattoo and participate in creating an interactive window mural that will stay in progress throughout the night.
artBLAST tickets are $110 for a family, $50 for adults, $35 for seniors and children. The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook between 14 and 15 Mile Roads. To purchase tickets, please visit the BBAC Web site, www.bbartcenter.org or call the BBAC at (248) 644-0866.
Family art workshops led by BBAC faculty members include:
* Superhero and action figure drawing with Chris Girard
* Mini-paintings with Leslie Masters
* Tribal bead-making with Tracey Priska
